POwer of sail
Directed by Weyni Mengesha
Presented by Geffen Playhouse & Darryl Roth
Written by Paul Grellong
Featuring Hugo Armstrong, Amy Brenneman, Bryan Cranston, Donna Simone Johnson, Tedra Millan, Seth Numrich & Brandon Scott
Creative team
Set: Rachel Myers,
Lights: Lap Chi Chu
Costumes: Samantha C. Jones,
Sound: Jonathan Snipes
Dramaturg: Mike Sablone
Stage Manager: J. Jason Daunter
Producer: Daryl Roth
Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle awarded Bryan Cranston for best actor and Rachel Myers for best set
LA critics nominated Power of Sail for best ensemble and best production
- Bryan Cranston, interviewed by Theatremania
In Power of Sail, distinguished Harvard professor Charles Nichols (Emmy & Tony Award winner Bryan Cranston) finds himself in hot water after inviting an incendiary white nationalist to speak at his annual symposium. His colleagues are concerned, his students are in revolt, but Charles is undeterred in his plot to expose and academically thrash his invited guest. This profoundly relevant new play by Paul Grellong (The Boys, Manuscript) examines the insidiousness of hate disguised as free speech and the question of who ultimately pays the price.
“Director Weyni Mengesha does an excellent job in unfolding the story with a steady and subtle hand. She clearly demonstrates why Charles would be wrong, but, interjects with the naysers concerns. A powerful show that will lead to in-depth conversation after the show.”
All About the Stage
“Writer Paul Grellong and director Weyni Mengesha have created a brilliant and timely portrait of an insular society and the fractured world beyond.”
Larchmont Buzz
“Under Weyni Mengesha’s tight direction, there is not a wasted moment in the 105-minute no-intermission show”
Haines His Way
“Director Weyni Mengesha has this production firing on all cylinders, from the skilled cast to expert pacing, and benefits greatly from Rachel Myers’ beautiful, detailed scenic design.”
Arts Beat LA
“If this were a book, you'd read it into the wee hours. Mengesha's pitch-perfect cast at the Geffen includes Amy Brenneman, Hugo Armstrong, Tedra Millan, Seth Numrich and Brandon Scott. And oh, by the way, we've also got the redoubtable Bryan Cranston playing the professor.”
Broadway World
